Steve Tilley, QMI Agency

The last time two brand new video game consoles launched within a week of each other was... was... hmmm. You know what? This might be the first time it's ever happened.

With the PlayStation 4 landing in stores Nov. 15, followed by the Xbox One on Nov. 22, Sony and Microsoft are preparing to go head-to-head to win the hearts, minds and thumbs of gamers around the world.

We'll have a more detailed breakdown of each console's features and games in the days to come. Meantime, here's a tale-of-the-tape look at each contender's strengths as they lace up the gloves and enter the ring.

PRICE

PlayStation 4: $399.99 for the console and one controller. The PlayStation 4 camera peripheral is sold separately for $59.99, and extra controllers and most games are $59.99 apiece. Free game demos will be available for download via the PlayStation Network.

Xbox One: $499.99 for the console, one controller and the second generation Kinect camera peripheral. Extra controllers and most games are $59.99. Free game demos will be available for download via Xbox Live.

BEST EXCLUSIVE LAUNCH GAME

PlayStation 4: For players who crave action and destruction, Killzone: Shadow Fall shows off the PlayStation 4's incredible visual horsepower. For younger players and families, Knack is charming and fun, and easy for two gamers of different skill levels to play cooperatively.

Xbox One: The gory yet frequently hysterical zombie game Dead Rising 3 will be the one many mature players gravitate to. For families and kids, Zoo Tycoon will allow players to run their own zoo and even feed the virtual animals by hand using the Kinect sensor.

MOST PROMISING UPCOMING EXCLUSIVE

PlayStation 4: Infamous: Second Son, due out in February, marks the debut of the critically acclaimed superhero series on the PS4. So far it's looking pretty amazing.

Xbox One: Due out in March, Titanfall is an online multiplayer shoot-em-up that pits foot soldiers and lumbering robot mechs in pitched battles. It's being made by some former Call of Duty developers.

COOLEST FEATURE

PlayStation 4: The console automatically saves the last 15 minutes of gameplay to a constantly refreshing video file - kind of like a gaming PVR - allowing players to easily share clips and screenshots of their most memorable moments.

Xbox One: The Kinect sensor's microphone allows many of the Xbox One's functions to be operated by voice control. Players can turn the console on and start up a specific game without so much as touching a button.

WHY IT'S BETTER THAN THE OTHER ONE

PlayStation 4: Aside from being $100 cheaper, Sony's new console is, at least on paper, a bit more powerful than its rival. Some launch games, including Call of Duty: Ghosts, look slightly better on the PS4.

Xbox One: Microsoft's console is designed as an all-in-one entertainment device, and will allow users to seamlessly switch between playing a game, watching a movie and listening to music. Or maybe tuning into a heavyweight boxing match. Round 1: fight!